Eddie Jones is reportedly set to include around four Test debutants in his Wallabies matchday squad to face the Springboks in Pretoria on Saturday.
According to a report by The Roar, Jones is expected to throw a few selection curveballs at the Boks, as Australia look to get their first-ever win at Loftus Versfeld.
Up-and-coming Brumbies loose forward Tom Hooper is among the potential debutants, as it has been speculated that he could start in a back row with captain Michael Hooper and No 8 Rob Valetini.
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Reds winger and NRL convert Suliasi Vunivalu could make his first start for the Wallabies. The 27-year-old, who has scored 14 tries in 27 Super Rugby matches, only has four minutes of Test rugby under his belt, from his debut as a substitute against England last year.
22-year-old tighthead prop Zane Nonggorr is also in line to make his Test debut as a substitute, with Taniela Tupou and James Slipper not fully fit to play yet.
Another interesting call will see utility back Reece Hodge starting at inside centre, with Samu Kerevi returning from injury from the bench.
Nic White and Quade Cooper will reportedly be the two preferred halfbacks, setting up a fascinating clash with the Boks’ Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok. It will be Cooper’s first Test in South Africa since 2016.
Another potential debutant, 22-year-old Melbourne Rebels playmaker Carter Gordon, is the favourite to provide backup on the bench.
The Wallabies will look to match the Boks’ second row of Marvin Orie and Jean Kleyn, by naming Will Skelton and Nick Frost as their locks, while Toulouse’s Richie Arnold could make his first Test appearance as a substitute.
Photo: EPA/DAVE HUNT